Monthly Archives: June 2017

By Maz Woolley

All photographs are by, and copyright of, the Author.

Oxford Diecast continue to catch up with their release program. This article looks at the new 1:76 scale Beadle Integral 76BI001 which has just arrived in the shops. The first thing to note is that Oxford has made the whole bodyshell in plastic. Many recent Oxford coach/bus models had plastic uppers and metal lower sections but here only the base plate is diecast. I know that this will not please some collectors but when one sees the fine detail that has been incorporated and the absolutely flush glazing it offers in a thin walled bodyshell I am sure that most collectors will be happy for Oxford to continue down this path.

This coach dates back to the “make do and mend” period after the Second World War when new buses and coaches were a scarce commodity. During this time many coachbuilders built new bodies getting rid of the old-fashioned half-cabs and giving them up to date looks. J C Beadle of Dartford in Kent were such a company taking Leyland and AEC chassis and adding modern bodies. East Kent were one of several companies that were customers. The vehicle modelled by Oxford started life as a Leyland TD5 double decker and was rebodied in 1951 as a 35 seat coach. It was withdrawn from service in 1964 and after being in private hands it was acquired for preservation in 1972. At some point during its working life it had a white roof added offering Oxford the option to do another version of this vehicle.

I admire Oxford for making this unusual and attractive vehicle. Options for endless recolours are limited as Beadle seem to have changed the front end styling frequently so I hope that this model sells well to encourage Oxford to make more unusual models. A version in East Yorkshire colours is planned for later in 2017.

As to the model itself it is excellent. Comparison with the archive photographs available show it to be an accurate replica with all the salient styling features well captured. Some simplification has been made, the grille area is painted black whereas pictures show it to be textured and probably in body colour, and the destination, number, and fleet boards should all be slightly recessed. These minor points do not spoil the overall effect of the model.

Printing of the body mouldings with chrome surrounding cream centres of the body mouldings has been done accurately and gives an excellent appearance. The tiny operators script and passenger emergency door markings are all there and difficult to read even with a magnifying glass as they are to scale. The lighting and chrome front decoration is all very neatly moulded and highlighted. The rear small lower red lights could have been better centred when printing but as everything else is spot on it is acceptable. I am impressed with the number plates with the silver on black printing and the realistic size and spacing of the letters and numbers .

Most of my previous Oxford buses/coaches have had poorly aligned rear wheel sets but I have either been luck this time or Oxford are improving the quality of their fitting.

All in all an excellent model and great value for money at the price it sells for in the UK.

By Maz Woolley

The latest model from Atlas in this series is a replica of a French Dinky model 32 AB Tracteur Panhard et Semi-Remorque S.N.C.F.

This model was first introduced by Dinky in 1952 and the livery had an outline of France with a railway engine on it. This was deleted in 1953 and in 1954 a second type as modelled by Atlas appeared with an outline of France with SNCF across it. The second version was renumbered 575 in 1959 and was finally deleted from the catalogue in 1963. A very long run but the French Railways livery is very attractive and the model a neat one.

Dinky got their value from this tractor unit and trailer as it appeared in Kodak, Calberson, and Esso liveries as well. The tractor unit also appeared hauling an Esso fuel tanker.

The Atlas replica is generally well done though there is clearly some imperfections on the cab casting which have not been disguised by the paint. It is otherwise a rather nice replica with good printing of the SNCF livery and nice masked painting of the chrome.

Investigations show that the second release of this model had two different liveries over time. One which not only had SNCF over an outline of France surrounded by light blue but the initial letters S N C F printed in blue as well. This was used on vehicles with concave hubs. The second type with France surrounded in green and no contrast colouring on the leading letters was fitted to vehicles with convex hubs. Atlas has chosen it to be printed in the second style which is appropriate as the vehicle has convex wheels.

By Maz Woolley

All pictures used to illustrate this article are from Corgi’s web site. Most are mock ups or 3D renderings rather than examples of the final models.

Business Background

I make no apologies for starting this article with news about the Hornby Hobbies business as June is not only when they announce the second half models but it is also their financial year end.

Already this year we have seen the company drop its plans to build a visitor centre to replace the one lost when they sold their headquarters site. This was followed in April by a major shareholder, New Pistoia Income Limited, calling for the removal of Roger Canham the Executive Chairman. Before the Annual Results New Pistoia decided to cut their losses and sold the 20% they held in Hornby hobbies for 32 pence a share to Phoenix Asset Management Partners the biggest shareholder who now have 55% and have now to offer to buy any other shareholders shares at 32 pence.

Whilst all this upheaval took place the annual results were announced and the CEO/Chairman Roger Canham’s resignation as well. A growing underlying pre-tax loss of over six million pounds was widely reported in the Financial columns. Whilst their cash situation has significantly improved this will still leave them little capital to invest in new products so only the fast selling products with the highest level of margin will get any investment. The shareholders have not had a dividend for several years now and the shares values have flat lined over the last year so they are all losing money on the shares which cannot go on for ever.

Why does this matter to collectors of model vehicles? Well Corgi is hardly mentioned in any discussions of Hornby at all and apart from the 1:48 Lightning model investments in new mouldings are non-existent apart from a single 1:50 truck not even listed in the second half release section of their web pages. The company states that its turnround is well under way with a belief that all UK brands have been maintained despite all the cost cutting measures taken, lower sales, and restrictions in the sales channels they are servicing. I am not sure that that does not count as what are now known as “alternate facts”. Collectors are right to be uneasy when they see that the Corgi brand is not mentioned once in the plans for the next stage of the turnround.

It is against this background that Corgi announced their July to December catalogue. Almost everything in it is a new version of a casting already used several times in the past. Some castings like the Vanguards Morris Minors and Mini are now several generations old and simply not up to the standards of Oxford Diecast, or PCT made models for part works or ranges like Whitebox. Looking at the Corgi Forum the posts about the new releases are mostly negative which I know reflects several MAR Online readers views as well. Corgi have not even listed some models on their web site that Hattons has listed like the re-released Basil Fawlty Austin or yet another Mr Bean Mini.

I believe that the situation is clear: Hornby has no intention of investing in any significant level of new tooling for the Corgi ranges. Their sole idea of keeping Corgi alive is to produce re-paints of old castings and hope that they sell enough to milk some contribution from the brand to their financial recovery. In my opinion Corgi is now a spent force and Hornby is deluding itself if they expect collectors to pay nearly thirty pounds for Vanguards models made from ageing moulds when DeAgostini/Atlas and others offer more for less money.

Corgi 2017 Second Half Catalogue

The models listed below are those listed by Corgi on their web site for the second half of 2017. Their January 2017 announcement was already reported here. When checking a supplier website there are models available to order that are not in the catalogue such as five re-released James Bond vehicles, Mr Bean’s Mini, and Basil Fawlty’s 1100. There is also a single 1:50 scale lorry, Scania R (Face Lift) Flatbed Trailer & Brick Load “Ian Craig Haulage Ltd, Falkirk, Scotland”, claimed to be new tooling. If these are new it seems strange that Corgi did not include them on their website listing.

My observations on the models offered are:

The Royal Wedding Anniversary models are crude and horrid and quite expensive for the type of souvenir shop likely to want to stock them. I can’t see collectors wanting them at all.

I hope the metallic models are not made with reflective flakes the size showing in pictures

How many times are they going to release that Mini casting – it was not good when first released and looks even worse now compared to modern models?

Who lined up all that awful thick silver detailing on the Minor Police Car windows?

Why are they using the same moulds used already for re-paints recently so soon like the Sunbeam Alpine?

Why is an “export” Rover 3500 fitted with UK number plates?

Why keep on flogging the “New London Bus” to death when the new Mayor has cancelled buying any more of them?

Why keep on releasing Land Rovers when Oxford will be doing them and charging significantly less?

Why bother with the Captain Scarlett car? It has now slipped out of fashion again.

Many earlier releases of the re-used castings are available on eBay and at Toy Fairs for much less money why buy a new one?

How can anybody at Corgi say they are “proud to introduce the July to December 2017 Corgi range, featuring a host of new introductions“

Closing thoughts

Long time MAR readers will know that I have been a collector of Corgi models in the past and have been getting more and more restive with each underwhelming release announcement. I know many of you feel the same. I think that the thing I find most insulting to collectors is the pretence that the Corgi range is active and vibrant. Some honesty and openness about the role Hornby think Corgi has going forward would be welcome. Some of us have been Corgi Collectors since our childhood.

What do you the reader think?

Last thought. If Hornby can’t make anything of the range, it would surely be better to sell it to someone else who can?

By John Quilter

All photographs taken by, and copyright of, the Author.

True Scale Models, also known as TSM, have recently launched a 1:43 scale replica of the new Jaguar F Pace, Jaguar’s first entry into the cross over market. The TSM model reviewed is in Rodium silver with a black interior although they also offer a white version.

This version is in left hand drive and is fitted with the silver 20” “Venom” wheels. Other photos of this model show it with black “Venom” wheels. For a period the official Jaguar UK website showed a bright blue version in the scale models section of their accessories listings.

Jaguar North America’s website does show some 1:43 scale models but no F Pace currently. There is no model brand shown on these websites but it is assumed that TSM makes these available to Jaguar UK for marketing as promotional items much as BMW, Mercedes, VW, and others have done for a number of years. Inspecting the underside of this model shows no chassis detail except for two silver rear silencers and there is no indication it is a TSM product.

The model comes on an elegant white display plinth inside a clear plastic cover and that in turn is inside of a clear Perspex cover.

By Mario Marti

Mario Marti has been a long time friend of MAR and his Emmy models have appeared in the printed magazine as well as in MAR Online. He often donated prizes of his Emmy Models when we ran prize competitions. Emmy make small runs of models of vehicles chosen by Mario and have, most recently, made several inter-war racing cars. Here he brings us news of the latest model to be produced in his 1:32 scale range. All photographs and illustrations are supplied by Mario.

I am very pleased to inform you that Emmy Models of Switzerland have just released a model of an inter-war Brooklands racer: Mrs. JoJo.

Mrs Jo Jo is an Austin Seven-based special with an illustrious history which includes winning the President’s Gold Plate racing at Brooklands in its heyday. Its 747cc four cylinder Austin 7 engine has a supercharger reputedly raising its peak power to 60bhp. It is thought to be one of the most successful Seven specials of its time and it still exists today.

The Emmy model is to 1:32 scale. The model is deliberately simple to capture the form and spirit of the prototype. We believe the shape of the model is correct and captures the essence of the car. More photographs are available if you contact us using the contact form on our website www.emmy-mod.ch

This model looks well with the previous 1:32 MG R and Austin Seven Ulster models from Emmy. These were made in white metal but Mrs JoJo has a body made in resin.

We sell the model for 50 GB Pounds and for a short time we will offer free postage (to European countries only) to readers and supporters of MAR Online if they make themselves known. The model can be ordered via our homepage: www.emmy-mod.ch

By Karl Schnelle

Over the last few weeks, the Diecast Hall of Fame Selection Committee has narrowing down the final five nominees for each induction category. The MAR Online US Editor (Karl Schnelle) is on the Selection Committee. More than 200 fantastic nominations were received from around the world. Please take a look and votetoday!

This picture is copyright of the taker and was found on the Internet with no attribution..

The APC was not included in the Playart Tanks article as I haven’t manage to buy one yet. M-113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) looks to be a good model with running gear similar to the tanks. This seems to be a rare beast and although they do appear on eBay from time to time, they often bid to very high prices for what was a cheap toy.

So for completeness here is an example of the APC still in its blister pack.

By Robin Godwin

Photographs of the models taken by the Author are shown captioned below the text.

When, or perhaps if, collectors think of Playart (Hong Kong) models, they usually think of “junk” models or, at best, simply inaccurate toys for kids designed to compete with Hot Wheels. While re-reading some old print Model Auto Reviews, I came across a two-part Playart article (MAR 99 and 100) by Don Elliott. In fact, Don referred to Playart as the “the uncrowned king of junk models” but I think this is a bit harsh – you could always determine what the subject was in the main 1:64(ish) range, so that implies some accuracy. He was a self-proclaimed “junk collector” but also wrote many articles on serious models like Ferraris. Don reviewed many of the cars in the various series, but did not cover in full detail the one Playart series that, in my opinion, easily lifted the manufacturer out of the junk category. Even though they were made and sold as toys in the 1970s and 1980s, the Playart tank series of six models was head and shoulders above some similar Asian competition at the time, such as Zylmex (Zee Toys, Hong Kong) and Mandarin (Singapore – Mandico tanks) and likely the equal of established small-scale contemporary Japanese military ranges from Tomy and Diapet. There were more than just the six tanks in the full range of Playart military models, including what looks like a reasonable M-113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) with running gear similar to the tanks, but that one seems to be a rare beast. There are some “soft-skinned” (unarmoured) vehicles, such as a Jeep, Schwimmwagen, Troop Truck and more, which appeared after the tanks, but these fall back into the junk category with their go-fast wheels.

So I will talk only about the six tanks (because I don’t have the APC), and start by listing the common features which include; all-metal construction except for wheels and most axles (more on this later), antennae and some ancillary bits in plastic; working endless tracks in vinyl (unique to each vehicle except the two German tanks, the Panther and Tiger 1, which use the same track, but didn’t in real life), with rolling wheels, rudimentary suspension, traversing turrets, and elevating gun barrels. See the photograph below for the list of the models as printed on the back of one of the boxes.

Regarding the axles, all except the Sherman have three metal axles with push on plastic rollers. The metal axles are used to add strength to the drive (sprocket) wheels and idler wheels (at the other end, but undriven) and a centre set. All the other axles are one piece axle/wheel mouldings entirely in plastic. The Sherman has no middle axle in metal due to its unique suspension layout. This arrangement ensures that heavy loading (as in child play) is borne by metal axles, ensuring a longer life for the toy.

A note here is that I will make no real effort at accurately discerning scale, since there is no manufacturer indication of scale and the models appear to be made to fit the box. There are, however, some comparison photos after the text showing the Playart tanks with other makers models with specified scales (and which I generally trust to be accurate) which will give a rough estimate.

I mentioned that these were a cut above both the regular Playart efforts and contemporary products from some competitors. Purists will take issue with the finer details, but as toys, the Playart models feature very accurate running gear and overall features. The right number of road wheels and return rollers is present. But, there are some distortions in my opinion: the M41 Walker Bulldog was wide, but Playart have it too wide; the Chieftain sits too low (this seems to be a common error with many manufacturers’ Chieftain models), and the Centurion is missing a very obvious gap between roadwheels number two and three. Again, all excusable in what were cheap toys for the time. The photographs below will show both accuracies and inaccuracies of the models.

A caution if looking to buy these online. The plastic used for the wheels is not as strong as it should be, and the tracks are tight fitting. Often the wheels/shafts that are press fit on to the metal axles at either end of the drive train will crack, and simply fall off the axles. Also, although not common, I have a model with some “wheel melt” (much more common on early Solido models with rubber tires on plastic wheels) although it seems to only manifest on the drive and idler wheels, which suffer the greatest tension from the vinyl tracks. Check with the vendor before you buy. The boxes are all the same size, and very flimsy. These are heavy models so boxes take a bit of a beating. The glued main box seam almost always comes unglued. That said, the tanks are securely held to a cardboard insert via a plastic “key” that fits and turns 90 degrees into a “keyhole” in the base of the model. The model can’t move fore or aft, but can move up and down on inside the box, which can deform the fitted antennae. Later issues of the models (well, at least one that I have) have a clear formed plastic insert piece that keeps the model in place so it doesn’t move at all. On these, the “keyhole” is missing on the base.

Model #7800 Walker Bulldog (M41)

All marking and numbers are nasty vinyl stick-ons and not nice neat transfers. Some manufacturing expediency – the road wheels on this model are common with those on both the Centurion and Chieftain, but not the drive/idlers

Each model has cast identity on base. Note the “keyhole” for fastening to cardboard box insert. Note three metal axles as described in the text. The rest are all plastic

Playart Walker Bulldog, right, with Combat Tomica M41 Bulldog left. These may be slightly different versions, but exaggerated width on Playart is very evident. The Tomica series was to 1:87 scale, as stated by the manufacturer, so Playart may be 1:72ish

Model #7801 Sherman Tank.

Sherman base. This model came in what I assume to be later packaging with formed plastic insert to hold the model, so no “keyhole”. Note only two metal axles on this model, fore and aft

Playart, left, and Dragon model right. I accept the Dragon as being close to exact 1:72nd scale, so Playart a bit larger. Both models are accurate, just slightly different versions.

Same two models from above.

Playart #7802 Centurion MK3.

You can just see a bit of the wheel melt on the drive and idler wheels

Playart Centurion, left, with what would have been a Hong Kong competitor, Zylmex. The Zylmex came with plastic gun, antenna and tow cable, but chassis has too few road wheels

Playart #7803 Panther Tank.

Hole at front of cupola should have a plastic machine gun, but mine is missing

Playart # 7803 in “Model Power” branded box. These Playart models were initially distributed/sold in Woolworth stores in the US (apparently after the deal with Husky models (by Corgi) ended). After Woolworths, Model Power, mostly a railroad hobby name, took over distribution. No mention of Playart or which tank was inside anywhere on the box, but the model still had Playart cast on the base

An earlier Woolworth box as indicated on back. Front of box was clearly marked Playart.

Playart #7804 Tiger 1 Tank

Perhaps the most modelled tank of all

Base of the Tiger 1 Tank. Clumsiness and positioning of the “keyhole” may contradict my earlier claim that the key/keyhole fastening mechanism came first with the shaped plastic insert coming later – hard to tell

Dragon Tiger 1, left. Playart, right, has survived the test of time reasonably well, given that the Dragon is a 1:72 scale collector’s model. Dragon wheel configuration represents most common arrangement on the real vehicle but I did see a photo online of the Playart configuration

By Maz Woolley

As we have come to expect the latest in this series from Atlas is another French Dinky replica seen already in the Continental Dinky collection. The Hotchkiss Willys Jeep 80b.

For once the Postman had no problems delivering this through the letter box. The box seems tiny compared to other vehicles in this series at only just over 7cm in length and under 4cm in height. The Atlas replica box may convey the spirit of the original but the end flap is re-arranged as some text has been removed, “C’EST UNE FABRICATION MECCANO” the lowest line on the original box is absent. In addition French Dinky credited the artist who created the box art but on the reproduction the signature of J. Massé is absent.

Hotchkiss made about 32,000 Jeeps under licence from Willys in France until the mid 1960s. Production was originally at a factory in St. Denis in Paris but was later moved out to Stains which is a suburb to the north of Paris. It would appear that these were largely assembled from parts taken from Jeeps left in Europe when the US forces went home after the Second World War.

French Dinky had already sold a WiIlys Jeep as number 25 J in the early 1950s but I believe that this was the same casting as the Dinky UK Jeep which is considered to be less accurate than 80b. 80b was introduced in 1958 and was short lived being re-numbered as 816 in 1959. Some models were fitted with a driver but this replica is not and there is no hole in the casting for one to fit in either.

This replica has lovely even matt paint and the lights are neatly coloured. The tinplate screen is well replicated and the three spoke steering wheel is on a delicate shaft. The scale of this model is said to be 1:48.

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

All photographs are by the Author, except where otherwise acknowledged.

Here is a selection of models from releases made by Herpa between January and May 2017. All are to 1:87 scale except where otherwise stated.

1:43 Scale

The Porsche 911 miniatures announced in 2016 have now arrived on the general market. The three 911 models shown below are also sold in Porsche shops which perhaps explains why the quality and finish is first class. These are all to 1:43 scale.

071024/071031 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet 991 II

The Cabriolet is modelled open with the body painted a choice of racing yellow or deep metallic black. The accurate body shape is complemented by the fault free paint. The Porsche emblem on the bonnet is a small insert as are many other details.

Lettering below the engine cover are exact replicas of the real car and are printed in silver. The Interior has a detailed dashboard and steering wheel, as well as a well moulded centre console, seats and door cards. All in all this gives an excellent impression of the real car. The 5 star alloy wheels are well moulded and reveal the excellent brake discs and calipers. A fairly detailed baseplate is fitted and the exhaust system is executed well and includes the two chromed end pipes.

070980/070997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet 991 II

The Cabriolet in “S” version has a more powerful engine. This is also modelled open. This time in a white or metallic sapphire blue. The general level of finish is the same as the black and yellow Carrera models seen above. Note that the exhaust system is different on this model replicating the differences to be seen on the real cars.

071048/071055 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Here the body in available in white or metallic rhodium silver. The body is true to the prototype shape and immaculately painted. Many small separate parts are used for lights and other features. The interior is in a brownish red shade. Dashboard, steering wheel and centre console are excellent replicas of the original car as are the seats.

At the rear end, the four exhaust pipes of the 4S show the correct features unique to this version of the Carrera. Again lovely replica alloy wheels reveal the neatly modelled brake discs and calipers.

1:87 scale models

The Cologne was produced by Ford between 1951 and 1955. The newly founded West-German Bundeswehr (Army) ordered a batch of them as basic transport. The accurately shaped miniature is not painted in the correct shade of matt olive green for the Bundeswehr, the accurate colour would be more of a Silk matt olive.

092760 Volkswagen T6 with trailer, loaded with Vespa motorscooter

For short inner city work the Brunswick based haulier Wandt had a restored Vespa painted in the shade of green used in its livery. This Vespa will be released as part of the one-off set with a Volkswagen T6 box body van and trailer also in Wandt livery.

Copyright in the image above belongs to dreamstime.com

306713 Volvo FH Gl. XL Eurocombi “Ristimaa Apache”

As can be seen from the photographs above Herpa has re-created this flamboyant show truck faithfully. Juha Ristimaas create custom trucks to the highest standard. This impressive “Giga-Liner” is in the livery of Kuljetus Ristimaa a Finish Haulier. It was first displayed at the annual trucking event “Power Truck Show 2016” in Alaharma, Finland. The four axle Volvo FH16 650 pulls a five axle trailer.

307062 Scania 142 articulated concrete mixer

The classic Scania bonnetted trucks are always a highlight in the Herpa program. Here the model is of a 6×4 tractor with a day cab and trailer with a concrete mixer mounted on it. It adds to the Herpa construction models.

307024 Volvo FH16 Gl. XL Eurocombi “Tynjälä Oy” Finland

Another oversized drawbar outfit from Finland. Over 50 print processes were needed to reproduce the livery.

Power to all three axles for best traction. Cabin in white which allows modellers to apply their own decals.

307161 Iveco with Interchargable Boxes and drawbar trailer “Deutrans”

In the end of the 1980s, the German Democratic Republic haulier Deutrans simplified its truck design and sent their trucks on the road in white with blue and orange stripes. The carefully selected drivers of all vehicles carrying traffic to the West had to prove a certain loyalty to the party line and fulfilled spying orders during their tours.

The haulage group Willi Betz operates multiple companies across Europe serving many customers and has an annual turnover of around 250 million Euros a year.

The founder Willi Betz recently escaped jail due to a serious illness after a lawsuit was taken against the family for bribery, social security fraud and tax evasion. His son was not so lucky and had to pay a 2.1 Million Euros fine and must go into prison for five years.